NoLimits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation
O.L. Software, Mad Data GmbH & Co. KG (2014)
Description
NoLimits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation, developed by Ole Lange and published by O.L. Software, stands as a highly detailed and realistic roller coaster design and simulation software. Released on August 21, 2014, it succeeded the original NoLimits, which was first launched in November 2001. NoLimits 2 integrates the previously separate editor and simulator into a more user-friendly, "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) interface.
The core of NoLimits 2 lies in its powerful roller coaster editor. This editor utilizes a CAD-style wire-frame display and a spline-based system, allowing for the creation of intricate and smooth coaster layouts. Users can manipulate vertices (points the track passes through) and roll nodes (to control banking and rotation) to design custom tracks. The software emphasizes realistic physics, ensuring that designs adhere to the laws of motion, G-forces, and speed. This realism is a key feature, attracting not only hobbyists but also professional roller coaster designers and manufacturers like Vekoma, Intamin, and Bolliger & Mabillard, who have used the software for visualization, design, and marketing purposes.
NoLimits 2 offers a vast selection of over 40 different coaster styles. These include modern types like 4D, Wing, Flying, Inverted, and Suspended coasters, as well as classic Wooden and Spinning designs. The software also supports features such as shuttle coasters, switches, transfer tracks, multiple trains on a single coaster, and even dueling coasters. Users can customize the "worn" level of the track to simulate aging and choose different rail types.
Beyond track design, NoLimits 2 incorporates an integrated park editor and a sophisticated terrain editor. Users can sculpt landscapes, create tunnels, and add various scenery objects, including animated flat rides and vegetation. The software supports importing custom 3D scenery objects in formats like .3ds and .LWO, allowing for highly customized and themed environments. The graphics engine features next-generation capabilities, including normal mapping, specular masks, real-time shadows, volumetric lighting, fog effects, and dynamic weather with a day-night cycle. Water effects with reflections and refractions add to the visual fidelity.
The simulation aspect allows users to experience their creations in real-time from various camera perspectives, including onboard, free, target, and fly-by views. The simulation includes realistic sounds of wind and the coaster itself. For an even more immersive experience, NoLimits 2 supports virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
NoLimits 2 has an active community where users can share their coaster designs and custom scenery. The Steam Workshop integration facilitates easy sharing and downloading of user-created content. The software also offers a scripting language for more advanced customization and a "Force Vector Design" tool, which allows track creation based on desired G-forces.
While primarily a simulator, NoLimits 2 also offers a professional license DLC that unlocks additional features for commercial use, such as password-protected park packages and the ability to import/export track spline data. The developers continue to support the software with updates and new content, including add-on coaster styles like the Vekoma MK1101.
A demo version is available, though it has limitations such as a 15-day trial period, a restricted selection of coaster styles, and limited saving capabilities. Despite a potentially steep learning curve for new users, the depth and realism of NoLimits 2 make it a highly regarded program for roller coaster enthusiasts and aspiring designers.
Release Date: 2014
Genres: Simulation, Building, Indie
Developers: Ole Lange
Publishers: O.L. Software, Mad Data GmbH & Co. KG
Price:
Steam: $39.99
